Minister Chris Hipkins, responsible for managing the Covid-19 pandemic, has been appointed by the Labor Party to replace Jacinda Ardern and the future Prime Minister of New Zealand, the party announced on Friday.
Hipkins, 44, pledged to “get things done” in his first statement following the appointment. He is yet to be officially elected next Sunday by the center-left party leadership.
The future head of government will replace Jacinda after her surprising resignation, announced yesterday, and will lead the party in the next legislative elections, in October, in which he is not a favorite.
“I like to think that I’m pretty determined and that I can get things done,” Hopkins declared outside the legislature in Wellington. He was asked if he believed his party could win the October 14 vote despite trailing in the polls and facing criticism over high prices, poverty and crime. “Yes,” he replied.
Hipkins had been Home Secretary since last June, and previously held the Education and Public Services portfolios. His management of the pandemic has received praise, in a country where borders were closed in 2020 and only reopened last August.
Upon his arrival at the Ministry of the Interior, Hipkins recognized that the population was tired of health restrictions and border closures.
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
